Atkins football and success are synonymous in the Arkansas River Valley. In fact, one could argue that beside the definition of success in any dictionary should be a small drawing of a Red Devil.

Last season though, Atkins found the going tough as successes were few and far between for the Red Devils. A 4-7 record and a first-round exit from the Class AAA playoffs at the hands of Mayflower is not exactly what coach Charlie Sorrels, the players or the community expected or anticipated. Therefore, there was an abundance of motivation as the Red Devils took to the field recently for spring practice.

"I think it always motivates you through the off season and spring when you didn't do as well as you had hoped the year before," Sorrels said. "We were not happy with the way the season went, but we were a very young team."

While youth was Atkins' Achilles heel last season, it could be a strength for them this season, Sorrels said as last season players now have a year's experience. Sorrels also said the Red Devils are returning nine starters on defense and eight on offense.

"You know, we had to grow up as the season went along last year. We were young and green and you could see that in a lot of games," Sorrels said. "We got better as the season went along. It may not have been reflective in wins and losses, but there was small improvements all through the year. We think that will be good for us in the upcoming season."

One big positive for the Atkins is the return of tailback Terrence Bobo, who is an important part in the Red Devils' I-formation offense. Sorrels said Bobo is not the only weapon available

"Terrence is a special running back," Sorrels said. "We feel like we have some more weapons. Quarterback Russell Gipson played in 11 games for us last season and had more than 1,200 passing yards. We also have split end C.D. Casto back as well as Sawyer Shannon. We also have two very good tight ends in Dillon Hicks and Evan Freeman. We feel like these guys will be a big help."

Atkins lost two starters on the offensive line, but Sorrels said he believes he has a good core coming back.

"We have got a good nucleus coming back in Brock Langford, Nathan Stanfield, Paul Meeks and Ben Houghton," Sorrels said. "Matt Newby has some starting experience along the line. We have quite a few people returning.

"We are expecting bigger and better things coming this season. We look like we have greatly improved on offense strength wise."

Defensively, things are looking up for the Red Devils as Sorrels and his staff had to replace only one defensive linemen and one defensive back. Sorrels said he is excited about those who are returning on the defensive side of the ball.

"We have both defensive ends, Dillion Hickman and Cody Colburn, coming back and our linebackers, Shannon and Meeks, are back from last season," Sorrels said. "We have Cody Stubbs, Bobo and Casto back in the secondary. We also have nose tackle Brent Hager back. We are looking for Stanfield to step up and be a good player for us on the defensive side of the ball."

Bobo will return to his punting duties according to Sorrels. He averaged almost 40 yards a punt last season. Sorrels also said he was confident in both Bobo or Stanfield to handle the kickoff, extra point and field goal attempts.

Sorrels said the players came ready to work throughout spring practice and getting in the flow didn't take to long.

"We've done the same thing for a while. There was really nothing different for them to learn," Sorrels said. "I was real pleased that this bunch has a really good attitude and they do what it takes to be successful. We were also able to get our ninth graders acclimated to playing senior high football."